1. An Overview of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is known as a traditional market and an indispensable part of the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. With its unique architecture and central location, the Ben Thanh Market attracts millions of tourists every year. Visiting Ben Thanh market is a famous thing to do in Ho Chi Minh.

1.1. Location

Ben Thanh Market is located on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. This location can be considered the "heart" of the city, very convenient for travel and sightseeing. The market is only about 500m from the City Opera House, another famous landmark of Saigon. Around the market, there are many shops, restaurants, and cafes, meeting visitors' shopping and dining needs. In front of the market is Ben Thanh roundabout, an important traffic point and a city symbol.

The Ben Thanh Market has 4 main entrances located on major streets such as Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Le Thanh Ton, and the square of Quach Thi Trang. With its central location and outstanding features, the market is not only a shopping destination but also a gateway connecting visitors to rich tourist attractions and services, helping them fully experience the vibrant life and local culture of Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, located in the most crowded and convenient area (Source: Canva)

1.2. Opening Hours

• Day market: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Night market: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Ben Thanh Market, like most of saigon market operates daily with two main time frames: the day market and the night market. The day market opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which is when the stalls inside the market are bustling, selling a variety of goods from fresh food, clothing, handicrafts to local specialties. After 6:00 PM, the area around the market starts to light up, creating a bustling night market with street food stalls and souvenirs, lasting until about 10:00 PM.

However, you should also note that the opening hours of the stalls may vary depending on the type of goods. Stalls selling dry goods and fresh food often close earlier, while eateries and souvenir shops may stay open later in the evening. Therefore, if you want to buy a specific item, go to the market in the morning or early afternoon. And if you want to enjoy street food and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the night market, come in the evening.

The Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market, selling a variety of goods (Source: Canva)

1.3. Ways to Get to The Ben Thanh Market

To get to the Ben Thanh Market, you can choose one of the following transportation options.

• By motorbike: The Ben Thanh Market is easily accessible from District 1, Phu Nhuan District, District 3, and other nearby areas. However, city center traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours, so plan accordingly. Parking is available at private lots around the market, with fees ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per turn.
• By taxi or ride-hailing service: Taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service is the most convenient and comfortable option, especially for those unfamiliar with Saigon’s roads. You can easily book a ride through popular apps, ensuring a hassle-free trip to the market.
• By metro: Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) has a station directly at Ben Thanh Market, providing a fast and convenient way to reach the area. This is an excellent choice for avoiding rush hour traffic, especially for those coming from suburban districts.
• Walking: Visitors can walk to Ben Thanh Market by following Le Duan Street, turning onto Le Lai Street, and then continuing into Phan Chu Trinh Street. The distance from Notre Dame Cathedral to the market is only about a 10-minute walk.

Ben Thanh Market is located at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton streets and opposite Quach Thi Trang Park 

1.4. Items Sold At The Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Saigon, covering an area of over 13,000 square meters with more than 1,500 stalls. The market is divided into different sections, making it easy for visitors to explore. Dry goods, souvenirs, and handicrafts are clustered in one area, while fresh produce, seafood, and street food stalls are located in another. The clothing and accessories section is also conveniently arranged, offering a diverse range of products.

• Clothing & accessories: Traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, casual wear, handbags, shoes, and jewelry.
• Dried goods & local specialties: Dried seafood, coffee, lotus seeds, spices, and packaged Vietnamese snacks.
• Handicrafts & souvenirs: Lacquerware, ceramics, wood carvings, embroidered textiles, and woven baskets.
• Fresh food & street eats: Fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and an array of local dishes like “banh xeo”, “bun thit nuong”, “goi cuon”, etc.

With its well-organized layout and vibrant atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market offers a rich shopping experience where visitors can explore local culture while finding unique souvenirs and delicious Vietnamese specialties.

Fashion stalls at Ben Thanh Market always attract many tourists (Source: Canva)

2. History and Architecture of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market stands as a symbol of Saigon, with a history dating back to the early 20th century and an architectural style that reflects both French colonial influences and local charm. Let’s explore the interesting stories about the formation and development of this market, as well as admire its unique architectural beauty, imbued with the mark of time below.

2.1. History

Ben Thanh Market, a long-standing symbol of Saigon, has a history of formation closely associated with the city's development. Initially, the market was just a small market by the Ben Nghe River, built in 1870. In 1912, the French authorities decided to relocate and rebuild the market at its current location. The market was inaugurated in 1914, officially named "Les Halles Centrales" (Central Market), but locals still commonly call it “Ben Thanh Market”. Over more than a century, the Ben Thanh Market has not only been a bustling trading place but also a historical witness associated with the ups and downs of Saigon.

2.2. Architecture

Ben Thanh Market stands out among other markets in Vietnam thanks to its distinctive French colonial architecture, which has made it a historic landmark of Ho Chi Minh City. Covering an area of approximately 13,000 square meters, the market features a large, yellow-ochre facade with a signature clock tower, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

The market has 4 main entrances and 12 sub-entrances. Each main entrance is located on a different street and displays many popular items for visitors to shop:

• South Entrance: Located on Le Loi Street and facing Quach Thi Trang Park, this entrance is the main gate of the market. It features a famous 3-faced clock tower as the highlight of the market. This entrance attracts many tourists with an array of stalls selling a variety of goods, from colorful fabrics to aromatic dried foods.
• East Entrance: Located on Phan Boi Chau Street, the east entrance is a paradise for cosmetic enthusiasts, with many cosmetic stalls offering a vast range of body, skin, and hair care products.
• West Entrance: Located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this entrance has many stalls selling shoes, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
• North Entrance: Located on Le Thanh Tong Street, this entrance offers a variety of fresh flowers and tropical fruits.

The high, dome-like ceiling and spacious walkways ensure natural ventilation and light, creating a comfortable shopping experience despite the tropical climate.

Ben Thanh Market is a cultural hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life. In the next section, let’s explore the must-try street foods that make this market a true gastronomic delight.

The highlight of the market is its massive, square-shaped clock tower, designed in the style of a majestic watchtower (Source: Canva)

3. Must-try Street Food At Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market stands as a symbol of bustling commerce, and beyond shopping, it offers a vibrant world of street food with countless delicious options inside. Step into this iconic market and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Saigon’s cuisine, from timeless traditional dishes to one-of-a-kind street snacks..

3.1. Banh Beo

“Banh beo” is a delicate Vietnamese street food made from steamed rice flour, creating soft, bite-sized cakes. Each dish is topped with minced shrimp, crispy pork rinds, scallion oil, and a drizzle of sweet-savory fish sauce. This dish is often enjoyed as a light snack or appetizer, perfect for exploring the vibrant food scene at Ben Thanh Market

Head to Banh Beo Co Anh, a well-known eatery serving traditional Hue-style banh beo with rich toppings and flavorful fish sauce. Located just a 5-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market, this spot is popular among both locals and tourists.

Banh Beo Co Anh – a must-try near the Ben Thanh Market 

3.2. Bun Moc

“Bun moc” is a rustic Vietnamese dish, enjoyed across regions, featuring crispy and chewy meatballs, a sweet and clear broth, and fresh herbs. At Ben Thanh Market, you can easily find bun moc at many eateries in the food court.

If you want to enjoy a standard bowl of Bun Moc, visit Bun Mọc Thanh Mai. The restaurant is famous for its meatballs made from fresh pork, crispy and chewy, with a broth simmered from pork bones and straw mushrooms, having a natural sweet taste.

Bun moc with rich flavor, the moc is made from fresh meat, served with fresh green vegetables 

3.3. Banh Trang

“Banh trang”, or Vietnamese rice paper snacks, come in many forms, from crispy grilled versions to fresh spring rolls and the famous “banh trang tron” (mixed rice paper). This dish combines chewy rice paper with tangy tamarind sauce, dried shrimp, beef jerky, quail eggs, and aromatic herbs.

Head to Banh Trang Nghia Map for a top-rated version of banh trang tron, loved for its generous toppings, rich tamarind sauce, and perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The chewy rice paper is mixed with dried shrimp, beef jerky, quail eggs, peanuts, and fresh herbs, creating an addictive street food experience.

Banh trang tron has a mild spicy taste, fragrant with green onions and rich in the sweetness of dried shrimp, an irresistible taste 

3.4. Che

“Che” is an unmissable sweet experience, where you'll be overwhelmed by the diversity of che types. From traditional che dishes like refreshing green bean sweet soup and rich ba ba sweet soup, to modern che like soft flan che and fragrant Thai che, each type of che carries a unique flavor, made from the freshest ingredients.

If you want to enjoy a delicious glass of che at Ben Thanh Market, visit Be Che located right in the market's food court. The shop is famous for its diverse types of che, cooked from fresh ingredients like coconut milk, mung beans, lotus seeds, and tropical fruits, with a moderately sweet taste. In particular, the shop's iced green bean che is very popular for its smooth texture, natural sweetness, and refreshing taste.

Alternatively, you can also try other che shops in the market such as Che Co Giang, this che shop has been around for many years and is known for its traditional, delicious che flavor.

A cup of mixed sweet soup with beans and coconut milk is one of the refreshing summer dishes that you cannot miss (Source: Canva)

4. Nearby Attractions That You Shouldn’t Miss

From the market, visitors can easily travel to Saigon's famous attractions. Each location carries within it unique historical stories and architectural beauty, promising visitors unforgettable experiences.

4.1. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Boulevard is a vibrant pedestrian street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering a blend of modernity and history, and it is just a 5-minute walk or approximately 500 meters away from Ben Thanh Market. Flanked by French colonial buildings and contemporary skyscrapers, the boulevard is especially lively in the evening with street performances, fountains, and LED displays.

Visitors can admire the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Hall at one end or explore the historic cafés and bookstores hidden within the nearby old apartments. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll, capturing Instagram-worthy shots, or enjoying the festive atmosphere, Nguyen Hue Boulevard is a must-visit attraction near the market.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is located right in the center of District 1 with a length of more than 670m (Source: Pexels)

4.2. Independence Palace

Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is a historic landmark that played a crucial role in Vietnam’s modern history, located approximately 1km from Ben Thanh Market. This mid-century architectural masterpiece features sleek lines, open spaces, and a design symbolizing power and authority.

Visitors can explore its grand meeting halls, secret bunkers, and preserved war rooms, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s past during the American War. Whether you're a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, the Independence Palace is an unmissable stop near Ben Thanh Market.

Independence Palace is a historical attraction in Saigon (Source: Pexels)

4.3. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is an iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing stunning French colonial architecture. Located about 1.2km from Ben Thanh Market, the cathedral stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral features twin bell towers reaching 58 meters high, red brick walls imported from France, and beautiful stained-glass windows.

This peaceful sanctuary is well worth a visit for its historical significance and breathtaking design, making it a favorite spot for both worshippers and tourists. Located in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect place to admire European-style architecture before continuing your exploration.

Business Insider has listed Saigon's Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in the world’s 19 most beautiful cathedrals (Source: Pexels)

4.4. Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower, also known as Saigon SkyDeck, is one of the most striking modern landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, symbolizing the city's rapid economic growth, standing 262 meters tall and located 1km from Ben Thanh Market, it offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.

Visitors can admire the city's skyline, watch the sunset, or enjoy a luxurious dining experience at one of its high-end restaurants. Whether you're looking for stunning city views or a glimpse into Vietnam's modern architecture, Bitexco Financial Tower is an unmissable destination.

Bitexco Tower is the second tallest building in the world, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City

5. Local Tips for Visiting Ben Thanh Market

Exploring the Ben Thanh Market is an exciting experience, but being prepared will help you navigate it smoothly.

• Bargain for the best price: Vendors often start with higher prices, expecting customers to negotiate. Don't hesitate to bargain to get a fair deal and avoid overpaying.
• Carry cash: Most stalls only accept cash, so make sure to have enough Vietnamese dong on hand.
• Watch out for pickpockets: The market is crowded, making it an easy target for thieves. Keep your valuables secure, bring only essentials, and avoid frequently taking out your phone or wallet.
• Dress comfortably: Ben Thanh Market is large, which takes visitors a lot of time to explore. With Saigon’s hot and humid climate, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing will keep you comfortable.
• Stay hydrated: Walking through the market can be tiring, especially in the heat. Bring a bottle of water and take breaks in shaded areas to avoid exhaustion.

The aisles at Ben Thanh Market are often quite narrow, so prioritize comfortable and airy clothing for easy movement and shopping (Source: Canva)

After visiting Ben Thanh Market, immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene at Saigon Square Market Vietnam, where you can find everything from trendy fashion to unique souvenirs. If you're looking to explore more of Vietnam's traditional markets, don’t miss out on the 7 iconic floating markets in Vietnam worth exploring by boat – a fascinating way to experience the local culture and commerce on the water. These markets offer a unique glimpse into the daily life of Vietnamese traders and their floating marketplaces.

With a unique blend of tradition and modernity, Ben Thanh Market is the perfect destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythm of Saigon. Whether you want to explore the local shopping culture, indulge in signature Vietnamese cuisine, or simply admire a long-standing symbol of the city, Ben Thanh Market offers unforgettable experiences.

For more travel tips or detailed guides on top attractions and local food recommendations, please visit Vietnam Airlines’ official website.